After a fair bit of online research, I opted for a Black Widow high-level, 300mm, carbon-end, stainless steel silencer kit for my 2001 VFR π. I'm glad that I did, as the build quality, service and end result were all above my expectations. In particular, I like the way that this silencer is just the right length to finish level with the rear number plate, as well as the fact that it sits tight up underneath the seat and doesn't point outwards at the end (as some competitor's pipes are reported to do). OK, I admit that it took a little bit of fettling (and cutting away of a small section of the seat cowl and plastic under-seat tray), but I managed to do that using nothing more than a Stanley knife!
Black Widow make a bewildering array of exhausts for the VFR800, from end cans to full systems and prices start from as little as Β£114.99 for a standard style (low mount) silencer and mid-section pipe (all in stainless steel, of course). I reckon that's pretty amazing value (if you happen to be based in the UK π).
https://www.blackwidowexhausts.co.uk/vfr800f-vfr-800-1997-2003-rc46-520-c.asp
Personally, I found the (enormous) sticker that was affixed to the can a little bit too close to being a copy of the Akrapovic logo and not very subtle, so I simply peeled it off (sorry Black Widow π). It looks far more like the silencer might have actually come with the bike when you see it without any branding on (sorry for the poor attempt at blanking out number plate in the final photo π).
Anyway, I just wanted to share all that, as there doesn't seem to be much information on here about aftermarket pipes that are available outside the US. Here it is ...